raise it again.

Still, all these woes were locked up in his own breast, and to the world
he was yet the popular, prosperous Bishop of Beorminster. This
impression and position he was resolved to maintain at all costs,
therefore, to put an end to his last trouble, he concluded to speak
seriously to his sons on the subject of unequal marriages. A pressure of
the electric button summoned the servant, who was instructed to request
Captain Pendle and Mr Gabriel to see their father at once in the
library. It would seem as though they almost expected the message, for
in a few minutes they were both in the room; George, with his usual
jaunty, confident air, but Gabriel with an anxious look. Yet neither of
the young men guessed why the bishop had sent for them; least of all
George, who never dreamed for a moment that his father would oppose his
engagement with Mab Arden.

'Sit down, both of you,' said Dr Pendle, in grave tones, 'I have
something serious to say,' and the bishop took up an imposing position
on the hearthrug. The two sons looked at one another.

'There is no bad news from Nauheim, I hope, sir?' said George, quite
ignorant of the meaning of this exordium.

'No. Lucy's last letter about your mother was very cheerful indeed. I
wish to speak seriously to both of you. As you are the elder, George, I
shall begin with you; Gabriel, I shall reason with later.'

'Reason with me,' wondered the curate. 'Have I been doing anything which
requires me to be reasoned with?' and he gave a half smile, never
thinking how soon his jest would be turned into bitter earnest.

'I think a word in season will do you no harm,' answered his father,
austerely, 'but I shall address myself to George first.'

'I am all attention, sir,' said the captain, rather weary of this
solemnity. 'What have I done?'

'You have concealed from me the fact of your engagement to Miss Arden.'

'Oh!' cried George, smiling, 'so Miss Whichello has been speaking!'

'Yes, she spoke to me to-day, and told me that you had formally engaged
yourself to her niece without my knowledge or sanction. May I inquire
your reason for so singular a course?'

'Is it singular, sir?' asked George, in a half-joking tone. 'I always
understood that it was first necessary to obtain the lady's consent
before making the matter public. I asked Mab to be my wife when I last
visited Beorminster, and I intended to tell you of it this time, but I
find that Miss Whichello has saved